cultivating and enjoying the simple pleasures of faith, family and home

Monday, November 24, 2008

The "c" word...

A new word has found its way into our family conversations. One that I'm not accepting very well and one that we certainly did not invite.

Cancer.

My dad has been very recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. I hate this. I hate what it means and all the what ifs it brings to my mind.

I am thankful for providential doctor's appointments and that we already have a trip planned at Christmas! But, my heart is heavy with this news, although he has a great attitude about it that I would be wise to follow.

I don't really have much else on my heart to share right now about this, but it feels good to at least share this much. I confess that it is all so new - so unknown. I am so thankful that I can trust Who holds the future and who will be with us through our entire life journeys. When God brings our family to mind, we would appreciate your prayer. Thank you.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."~ Isaiah 26:3

103 comments:

Oh Monica,My eyes are welling up with tears. I'm so sorry. I will be praying, praying, praying for you and your dad. I will pray that He will wrap you and your entire family in His everlasting arms, and that you will experience Him as never before.Blessings, sweet friend.Joy

(((Monica))),I'm so sorry to hear what your dad is going through, and what you are dealing with as his daughter. I will keep your dad and you in my prayers. I pray that our heavenly Father will keep your dad close to His heart and that His peace, which transcends all understanding will be yours, as you remember that He is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise.

One thing - don't assume the prognosis is set in stone. A few yrs ago my dad's cancer returned and he was diagnosed as Stage IV. I began reading info on it. Everything I read made it look like he had MONTHS.

Well here it is 3 yrs later with NO EVIDENCE of his cancer. We do realize the tenuous position he is in and that it can return at any time - but we are thankful for the additional years the Lord has given him/us.

A month and two weeks ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Things were fine one day, the next day I get a phone call that something was "suspicious" and that phone call threw our family into the cancer journey-learning words and procedures that I'd rather not know about.

Cancer stinks, that's what it boils down to. There is such good medicine and tests that can be done now to treat cancer as aggressively as possibly. And cling to the fact that you have the best doctor on your team-the Great Physician is with you (and your dad's medical team) always.

After 4 years of my dad battling cancer, I highly recommend this book both for you as well as for your mom and dad: http://www.bookschristian.com/se/product/books/Michael_S_Barry/A_Reason_for_Hope/90101/A_Reason_for_Hope_Hardcover.html

Dear Monica, I am so very sorry! My heart is with you and your family. I know the sting of cancer. I hate it. I use the *h* word rarely, but this disease qualifies. I WILL pray for you and my family will too. You are loved and have much support out here in blogland. Know that this does not take God by surprise, and HE is faithful even when we don't understand. Look and lean to our precious Shepherd. Again Monica, you are loved and your family prayed for. tammyp

I am so sorry, Monica. If you ever need to take, I am here. The same thing has happened to us. They found a lump in my grandmother's throat this week and biopsied it and it came back abnormal. She is undergoing surgery (probably this week) and we will have to begin her radiation therapy. I never thought this would happen to us.

I have no words except I am so sorry. It is devastating news for the holidays.

Dear Monica, Our prayers and best thoughts are for a perfect healing for your father. Someone once told me, when I was in a similar situation, that "Fear is the opposite of faith...so fear not...keep the faith."

Monica I am so so sorry about your dad. I went through the same thing with my dad. May God keep you and give you strength through this hard time. I Peter 5:7. Cast all of your care upon him for he careth for you.Shelby

You and your family have been in our prayers since we learned of the news through Carrie. We are so sorry to hear that you need to travel this road! But you can be confident that this is the perfect plan for your family and that the Lord will use this, in ways that are unknown at this point perhaps. My heart is heavy with yours, but I pray you will enjoy the strength and comfort of our Savior in these days to come!

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know what you are going through both my parents have had cancer. My dad had a kidney removed because of it. I will be praying for you and your father. Just remember God is ALWAYS there for you and your family.

Monica,Our family traveled this road just this time last year. My heart is heavy for you and your family. I think our faith is the only thing that got us through that time. I'm praying that the Lord will guide your father's doctors and caregivers and that you will all see His hand in this journey.

Dear Monica, I am so very sorry to hear what is newly facing your dad and your family. We had cancer hit our family three years ago when my mom battled it. It is huge, and I know how it can hit like a ton of bricks and overwhelm-- it can permeate so many unrelated thoughts in just a single hour or day. I know you care so much, and each person in the family is affected. I used to love reading your mom's comments on your blog- they reminded me so much of my mom and the special relationship I, too, have with mine. What a sweet encourager your mom seems to be. I know you'll be caring so much about her too as she walks through this with your dad. Yes, I will pray for your Dad and his treatment, and for all of you in the family as individuals as you go through this. What a blessing that you are amazingly already being inspired by your dad's attitude in this. Isaiah 26:3 is a favorite. Not always easy, but so amazing. You are all being prayed for. God bless you and bring you peace and comfort.

Monica,I know exactly what you must be feeling! My Dad was diagnosed with cancer. This time last year, Dad was going through chemo and radiation. The thoughts that go through your mind...the doubts...the fear! Goodness, I had never known such fear before! The only way I got through it was to keep the promises of God going through my mind. Each time fear or doubt crept into my mind, I would repeat God's promises of healing. Once repeating...sometimes out loud to drown out the voices of fear in my mind, I would feel a peace that was beyond words!My Dad is cancer free and has been for almost one year now. He too was diagnosed with a cancer that was aggressive (he smoked). God will use this situation to strengthen you and your family in ways you would never think possible. My prayers are with you and your family! God bless!

Monica, I am so sorry to hear this. 5 years ago I lost my mom to cancer. The most important thing I can tell you is that the Lord knows it all, and He will keep you in His arms. My Mom fought for 3 years and in the end I was almost happy to see her go and know that she wasn't in pain anymore. I still miss her everyday, but I know she is waiting for me in Heaven and I will see her again. I would really encourage you to find a cancer support group they have many different kinds, but find one with the same kind of cancer as your Dad. They can really help you also. Your family is in my prayers and remember to take it all to the LORD.

Dear Monica,I am sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis and will prayer for healing for him and strength for your whole family. Our Heavenly Father took my father Home 6 1/2 years ago after a very long battle with thyroid cancer - it gave our family a new perspective on life and living. In Him,Jennifer (a faithful reader)

My heart goes out to you and your family. I have been there....took care of my mom when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. My family's story did not turn out the way we wanted, but GOD has been there through it all. I lost my mom 3 yrs ago and it has forever changed our lives. One thing though.....BECAUSE of cancer I spent more time with my mom. I saw her every week before cancer and talked to her daily, but the cancer let me take care of her and spend extra time. Good can come from cancer.

One thing I wish we would have done in hindsight is even though we found a doctor we liked, we should have gotten a second and third opinion. Never hurts.

I know how your heart must ache, but keep praying and know that God is in control of it all.

Oh Monica,I am so sorry to hear your news. I will pray for healing for your dad. Did you know my dad has cancer too?? We just found out a few months ago. I assume he is far less healthier due to bad personal choices. I believe God can bring them both through this and my dad to personal salvation as well.Elise

Monica-It is so hard, even as a grown daughter, to see our fathers weak. For so long, we have looked to them as our pillars. I am praying for your father, your mother, your family and Carrie's family. Angie

Monica, All I can do is offer my love , prayers and support. Like I did with your sister. I have been in this postion. I had the honor of caring for my father in law. Who was like a father to me. In his final days. My your family have peace in your hearts.

I am so sorry to hear of your dad's illness. I cannot even imagine your heart just now. I do know that our God is mighty and He can heal, bodies and hearts. He gives wisdom and He is hope. I will keep your family in my prayers, knowing the LORD will use even our heart ache for His glory.I read your blog and your sister's faithfully and receive such a blessing from the two sites. Thank you for sharing your faith and family with us.

Dear Monica, I hate the 'c' word, too! My mom is only recently in remission from lymphoma. I hated having conversations with people that required me to use the 'c' word. I still don't like to even say the word! Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. And, that I will be praying for your dad and your family!

Adding my prayers to all these others. My mom has been battling an agressive cancer for 4 years now. There have been times we almost lost her but God has been so gracious to us. I pray the same for your family.

It's a difficult road to travel but God's mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!

How I hate to hear the "c" word! And I hate when it strikes our favorite people like family & friends! Praying that God will give your dad's drs wisdom, courage and strength to ya'll as a family and healing for your dad!

Monica,I don't know if you will see this comment because there are so many here but I just want you to know that I will hold your father in prayer. The Lord will never leaves us nor forsakes us. When we go through the valley, He is there with us. Lean on Him for strength.Blessings,Ruth

So sorry to hear this. We lost my sweet mother in law shortly after our marriage. I've known people that make, it, and people that don't. As difficult as it is to lose someone, there is a sweet comfort given as well to help us bear it.Please know your father is in our prayers.Wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this transition.

I´m so sorry Monica, I can understand you cause I lived this situation with my mother, isn´t easy but you must be strong and positive. We´ll pray for you. God bless you!Thanks for your blog really is a familiar blog and makes me happy, really your blog fills me with peace. Take care! BICOS

as common as cancer is, that never makes it any easier for one to deal with. my father in law also just found out that his cancer is back. he is not a believer which makes it much more difficult to bare. i was thinking that your father is a believer - i pray he is.praying for you now...

I know you do not know me, but I have great news!! I am 24 years old and I was diagnosed with Hogkins Stage 3A. Even though my cancer can be cured, it was a scare road. I have had to take Chemo and although I have not lost all of my hair, I have very little. We took our concerns to the Lord and I can now say that I have been healed. I had three locations of cancer, one is gone and the other two are there but they are non-active. Belive that God can heal!! Brandy

Thinking of you and what you are going thru at this time. Last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer - but we did not accept this diagnosis and went before the Lord with our request. He is healed with no issues now.

Deut. 7:13-15 and Exod. 23:25

You should start doing communion and accepting God's body and blood - Joseph Prince has an excellent series explaining communion and why it should be taken daily specifically for healing.

I have been following your blog for about 6 months, checking in randomly and getting to "know" you this way. I admire you. I am encouraged and inspired each and every time I visit here. Being a mother of 4, ages 11 down to age 2.5, we homeschool and we love the Lord and follow His ways as best we can daily, along with you and others.

I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's cancer diagnosis. I don't have much to say except that I will pray for you and your family. You have given me so much by way of your heart here, it's the least I can do for you. May the Giver of All Good Things be with you tonight and tomorrow and each day following until He returns to take us home.

I am so sorry I didn't see this before Monica!!! I am so tired of Cancer..aren't you? I wish it would just go away. I hate that it just grabs anyone..at anytime. It's so frustrating and sad. I will be praying for your dad and your whole family. I pray he can beat this cancer and it ends up making you all stronger!

It is so impressive and encouraging to hear your dad has such a positive attitude about it though! Joy and cheerfulness through times of trials are such a wonderful witness to those around him. Please keep us updated on things! love and prayers!Katy

I never thought we'd be dealing with cancer either. My dad had lung cancer and beat it, although he passed away last year due to his heart giving out (the smoking had damaged it, not the cancer). He did beat the cancer. They have so much better treatment now days.

My brother has terminal cancer, and he is very upbeat too, for the most part. He's a fighter I guess. I am sharing this not to depress you but to let you know that there are lots of us who have family members facing this, so you're not alone.

It is o.k. to feel shock and overwhelmed at first. It's not something you want to have to deal with. It is especially hard when our parents get sick, because they are who WE depend on (next to God and husbands). They are not supposed to get sick, right?

But God is always there to walk with you and give you His strength. I will pray for your dad and for all of you.

I so so sorry to hear this. I pray daily people won't have to have this word enter their world. I so understand how your world just stands still. ((( )))'sYou are in my prayersKatrina of Bags for BrentWife of Stage 4 Colon Cancer Survior

So sorry for this news. Is your dad saved? I pray so or that you get opportunity to reach him through this to glorify God. The cancer list is long at our church and we are a very young church of 1 1/2 years and only 35 members. It is a very scary word. I very much enjoy your crafty stuff.

Somehow I missed this post earlier. I am so very, very sorry that you and your family are going through this. My heart breaks so deeply for you. I will be praying for your dad and your family that you will experience our Lord's amazing peace and comfort. I will also pray Philippians 2:27 over your dad:

"For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me (you), so that I (you) would not have sorrow upon sorrow."

My sweet dad passed away just over a year ago. He had stage 4 brain cancer. However, he lived much longer than his first doctor said he would. He gave him less than 6 months and he lived 4 years, fighting the cancer the entire time (he ended up transfering his treatment to a brain cancer specialist, a neuro-oncologist, up in Denver. Something he wished he had done at the beginning, as he was just treated by a general oncologist here in the Springs).

I can imagine that what you are going through is so hard. I'm so glad that you are able to spend a few weeks in Colorado! What a blessing that will be to you and your dad (not to mention your dear mom and your sweet littles!)

I would love to help your family (and you) in whatever way I can. Meals, babysitting while you're in town if needed, whatever you all need. We had some wonderful ladies who came up along side our family while my dad was sick and I would love to be able to do that for others as well.

Again, you are in my prayers! I'm writing your dad in my prayer journal so that I will be reminded to pray for him every day! May God bless your time in Colorado!